Smith was Judged as one of the greatest

ROBIN Smith was known throughout the cricket world as “Judge” and the verdict on his own contribution was unanimous: he was simply one of the most fearless batters of his generation.

- RORY DOLLARD

For fans who witnessed his peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the sight of Smith standing toe to toe with some of the greatest fast bowlers ever seen remains one of the era’s most vivid images.

Sometimes he arched his back and sprang out of the way as the bouncers came thundering down from the likes of Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Allan Donald; sometimes he stood to his full height to cut ferociously through point or hook them off his nose - trademark weapons in the battle he built a career on. The only thing he never did was back down.

Smith, who has died aged 62, was a gladiator of a cricketer and a beloved teammate. But he was also a troubled individual whose personal life was never built as sturdily as his finest innings. He leaves behind son Harrison, daughter Margaux and his partner Karin, who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Smith suffered for many years with anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction and latterly spoke about his numerous brushes with grave ill-health, organ damage and suicidal thoughts. While others idolised and admired his ability with bat in hand, he fought long and hard with his own self-image.